MPFNL: Dromana signs champion defender Ryan Morrison from Noble Park

The reigning MPFNL Division 1 premiers reveal how they landed an Eastern league champion, while they’re poised to also sign one of the best young players on the peninsula.

Ryan Morrison of Noble Park has joined reigning MPFNL premiers Dromana side. Picture: Hamish Blair

Even premiership sides need to improve from season to season.

For MPFNL champions Dromana, it was all about snaring another key defender.

The Tigers got their man, signing star Noble Park full-back Ryan Morrison on Monday night.

“I guess the main focus for us was to go and get a key back man,” new Dromana coach Ben Holmes said.

“We signed Ryan Morrison last night from Noble Park, so he fills that role.”

Morrison, a premiership player with Noble Park, is regarded as one of the best key defenders in suburban football.

Kicking goals against Dromana will be even tougher in 2024.

Holmes revealed Morrison knocked back more lucrative offers to join Dromana, which capped a 19-1 season with a premiership last month.

“He’s a ripper. He’s 30 years old, probably in his prime when it comes to local footy really,“ Holmes said of Morrison.

“One thing that impressed me the most was just his attitude, (he was) just super eager to get in with a self motivated crew.

“He had bigger offers from external clubs. Obviously being a premiership team our salary cap is already stretched.”

Ryan Morrison (right) as a Stingray.

Morrison playing for Narre Warren.

Holmes said Morrison had a connection with Dromana stars Jake Aarts and Jordy Andrews.

“Those boys worked on him with myself and we got him over the line because I know Langwarrin and a few other clubs were chasing him pretty hard,” Holmes said.

Holmes revealed Dromana was set to unveil another big name recruit — one of the best young players in the MPFNL.

A signature was imminent on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Holmes said he was excited to take the reins at the Tigers after premiership coach Matt Price stepped down after the grand final victory, citing travel and family reasons.

“There’s always pressure when you take on a premiership team I guess,” Holmes said .

“I don’t know, I kind of feel connected there, I’ve been there for quite a few years, won a couple of flags there myself so I’ve kind of got a good relationship with all the players and they’re just a self motivated crew.

“I don’t feel there’s pressure on me in particular. As a team, there will be pressure I guess externally to perform. But that’s alright, that comes with the territory.”